This year's show, the forty-eighth of its kind, features 1000 boats, from fishing boats and luxury power boats to pontoons and personal watercrafts. After a ten-year hiatus from the Detroit Boat Show, sailboats are back, too.

In addition to sizing up all the boats, attendees have the opportunity to partake in a variety of watercraft-related activities and events, including fishing and boating seminars, the 'Catch and Release' at the Huck Fin Trout Pond and much more.

History buffs will enjoy the antique and classic boats on display courtesy of the Michigan Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society (ACBS) and shoppers will revel in the variety of boating-themed gear, accessories, artwork and jewelry being sold by a variety of merchants.Girl in the D is giving away four free passes to this event! For your chance to win, send me a quick e-mail with your name*, address*, and a sentence or two about why you love Detroit. If you're the 7th person to e-mail me, you and three friends are going to the boat show this weekend -- for free! (*All information will be kept strictly confidential and will not be used for any purpose other than this giveaway). What's the catch? There isn't one. Why would anyone give away free tickets to total strangers? Why do I write this blog? Because I want to help spread the Detroit Experience and I want people to spend time in Detroit.

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The Detroit Boat Show runs through Sunday, February 26, 2006 at Cobo Hall.

Hours are from 3 - 9 pm on Friday, 11 am - 9 pm on Saturday, and 11 pm - 6 pm on Sunday. Adult tickets are $11 each on Saturday and Sunday ($10 if you buy them online) and 2-for-1 on weekdays. Children 12 and under are free.